Arsenal v Everton -FA cup Preview

Wembley beckons as Arsenal face Everton in the FA cup quarterfinals at the Emirates. Everton gave a good account of themselves when Arsenal met them in the league. They earned a well deserved 1-1 and Roberto Martinez is one of those managers who wants their team to play the game to win. Arsene Wenger has won the FA cup four times and it’s high time he conjures his cup magic again.

ARSENAL

Arsenal haven’t travelled away and wouldn’t have to outside of London in this season’s FA cup and last time this happened Arsenal won the competition. A case of History repeating itself, we Gunners definitively believe so. Arsenal have been stuttering of late and only a win would exorcise the trepidation of Arsenal fans . Arsene said the Bayern game wouldn’t affect his team selection and will put out a team that is strong enough to win. Wilshere is out for six weeks atleast and was it really a surprise that an Arsenal player should come injured after the internationals? Good news is that both Ramsey and Kallstrom will be available next weekend. Alex Chamberlain may start and Flamini-Arteta axis will anchor the midfield.

DOUBTFUL- Koscielny, Monreal

OUT- Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Diaby, Kallstrom

EVERTON

The Toffees are no pushover and they will be raring to have a go given that they have faded away in the league, a Wembley appearance and top 6 finish wouldbe considered a successful season, I suppose. Martinez will aiming to become the first manager to win the cup with two different teams in consecutive years, if that’s not motivation I don’t know what is.
Romelu Lukaku’s return is huge but their stalwart at the back Phil Jagielka is a major doubt. The midfield battle should be interesting, Barkley was fantastic in the league game at the Emirates and Flamini has a game in his hand.

DOUBTFUL- Jagielka

OUT- Gibson ,Oviedo, Kone, Traore

MAN TO WATCH

Arsenal- Mesut Ozil

I seriously doubt he will start but if he does Mesut Ozil will be the man everyone will be watching. Some of the abuse directed towards him have been unfair and its up to him to right the wrongs. Its the response to criticism that makes the good great. The man is class and will no doubt come good. Pires didn’t have a great first season at Arsenal,did he?

Everton -Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian is back and scored the winning goal against the Barcelona of English Football, West Ham. How Everton have missed him. Arsenal centre backs have to keep him out of the game as much as possible and he was fairly negated in the league game. Nevertheless he is the toffees talisman and we will have to be on our game.

FA cup represents our best chance this season to end the erm,trophy drought and the road to Wembley begins here. COYG